Got a day to spare in Cabo? Head up Highway 19 toward Todos Santos, with a stop at Cerritos if the beach is calling your name. It’s a fun change of scenery, and you don’t need to pack every minute with activities to have a great day.
At a glance: Allow roughly an hour to reach Todos Santos from Cabo San Lucas in ordinary conditions, plus extra time for stops and traffic. Take Highway 19 north; Cerritos Beach is near El Pescadero, south of Todos Santos. Plan on a full day if you want both the beach and the historic center. These are planning estimates, not live travel times.
The easiest route: Cabo San Lucas → Cerritos → Todos Santos
From Cabo San Lucas, follow the signs for Highway 19 toward Todos Santos and La Paz. This is the Pacific-side route, not the road through San José del Cabo. Download an offline map before leaving; the final approaches to some beaches use smaller or unpaved roads. Los Cabos’ tourism board describes Todos Santos as approximately an hour north of Cabo San Lucas, but your actual trip depends on where you start and current conditions.
For a first visit, stop at Cerritos on the way north, then continue into Todos Santos for lunch and galleries. You can reverse the order if you prefer a cooler morning walk around town and a later beach visit. Neither plan requires you to squeeze every stop into one afternoon.
Stop 1: Playa Los Cerritos for surf, sand and ocean views
Playa Cerritos, in the El Pescadero area, is one of the Pacific coast’s best-known surf spots. It is a natural place to stretch your legs, watch surfers and, when conditions permit, arrange a lesson with a qualified instructor. La Paz’s municipal tourism office highlights Cerritos for surfing, sunbathing and its ocean scenery.
Do not assume that a beach popular with surfers is automatically safe for swimming. Waves, shore breaks and rip currents can change quickly. Check the posted flags, ask a lifeguard or qualified local professional about that day’s conditions, and keep children closely supervised. If flags or authorities say stay out, enjoy the beach from the sand instead.
- Bring: Water, sun protection, sandals, a towel and a bag for your trash.
- For surf lessons: Ask about instructor credentials, lesson duration, board rental, conditions and the cancellation policy before paying.
- For photos: Stay well back from the waterline when swell is strong; unexpected waves can reach farther up the beach than they appear.
Stop 2: Wander the historic center of Todos Santos
Todos Santos is a Pueblo Mágico with a distinctive arts scene, small shops and historic streets. Mexico’s tourism ministry lists it as a Pueblo Mágico since 2006; the Los Cabos tourism board points visitors toward galleries, the town’s traditional architecture and the area around the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Pilar.
Park legally, then explore on foot. Start around the central streets and church, browse whichever galleries are open, and give yourself time for a café or lunch. Some galleries and small businesses close or change hours without much notice, so the pleasure here is in wandering rather than checking off a rigid list.
You’ll also see Hotel California, a recognizable Todos Santos landmark with a restaurant and boutique. It’s fine to stop for a photo, but don’t mistake the famous Eagles-song story for verified history: the hotel itself is a local attraction, not proof that the song was written about it.
Optional third stop: Punta Lobos
If you still have daylight and energy, consider Playa Punta Lobos, known for its fishing boats, coastal views and dramatic landscape. This is better treated as a scenic stop than a casual swimming beach. Access and parking conditions can change; follow marked routes, respect fishing operations and do not attempt exposed trails without suitable footwear and a conditions check. If your group is tired, skip it and enjoy more time in town.
A realistic one-day itinerary
Morning: Leave Cabo and enjoy Cerritos
Set off after breakfast, allowing for traffic and a leisurely stop. Spend about 60–90 minutes at Cerritos if you are simply sightseeing; book more time if taking a surf lesson. A quick stop for photos can be much shorter.
Midday: Lunch and art in Todos Santos
Drive on to Todos Santos, choose a restaurant after checking its current opening hours and menu, then spend a couple of unhurried hours walking the historic center. For travelers who enjoy local art, this is the heart of the trip.
Afternoon: One more view, then return
Add Punta Lobos only if road, weather and daylight conditions cooperate. Otherwise, grab a coffee and start back toward Cabo early enough to complete the intercity drive in daylight. It’s a vacation, not a timed scavenger hunt.
Should you rent a car or take a guided tour?
Rental car: Best for travelers who want to choose their own beach stops, lunch and pace. Check insurance coverage, fuel level and the rental agreement’s rules for unpaved access roads. Do not assume a standard rental car is suitable for every beach approach.
Guided day trip: Better if you would rather not drive or navigate. Before booking, confirm whether the trip actually includes Cerritos, how much free time you get in Todos Santos, the pickup point, group size and any extra fees. You can compare excursions through Mexitara’s tours page; some booking links there are affiliate links, which may earn Mexitara a commission at no extra cost to you.
Planning several Cabo outings? Add this day trip to your free personalized Cabo itinerary, or browse more options on our Opciones de actividades en Los Cabos page.
Important road and weather checks before you go
Travel note — October 31, 2026: Heavy rain associated with Tropical Storm Vance affected southern Baja California Sur this week. Mexico’s national water commission warned on October 29 of intense rain and possible flooding and landslides; Los Cabos authorities reported road closures and cleanup after flooding on October 30. Do not assume Highway 19, side roads or beaches are currently clear just because this is a popular day trip. Check current road and weather notices with Mexico’s National Meteorological Service and local Protección Civil before setting off. Never drive through moving water or a flooded arroyo.
Even outside storm periods, the practical rules are simple: leave enough daylight for the return, keep your phone charged, save an offline map, and do not drive into standing or moving water. Follow local beach flags rather than relying on older travel articles that label a beach ‘swimmable.’
Frequently asked questions
How far is Todos Santos from Cabo San Lucas?
The Los Cabos tourism board describes the drive as about an hour from Cabo San Lucas. Treat that as a rough planning figure and check live navigation for your exact starting point, especially after storms or on busy travel days.
Can you do Todos Santos and Cerritos in one day?
Yes. A full day gives you time for a beach stop, lunch and several galleries without rushing. If your priority is a long surf lesson, trim the town portion or consider an overnight stay.
Is Cerritos Beach safe for swimming?
Conditions vary by day and by section of beach. It is known for surfing, not a guarantee of calm water. Check flags and local guidance, and do not enter when conditions are unsafe.
Is Todos Santos worth visiting if you don’t surf?
Absolutely. The historic center, galleries, cafés and shops make it worthwhile on their own. You can enjoy Cerritos from shore without entering the ocean.
Helpful official planning sources
- Los Cabos Tourism Board: Todos Santos — destination overview and nearby beaches.
- La Paz Municipal Tourism: Todos Santos — Pueblo Mágico and arts information.
- La Paz Municipal Tourism: Playa Los Cerritos — surf and beach-safety advice.
- CONAGUA, October 29, 2026 — storm-related rain and flooding warning.
Last checked October 31, 2026. Opening hours, tour inclusions, beach flags and road conditions can change. Confirm the latest details before traveling.
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